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Special feature
The Mai-Kai cocktail guide
Okole Maluna Society
The Atomic Grog reviews and rates more than 50 of The Mai-Kai's amazing tropical drinks from the current menu plus reveals many lost classics. Add your comments and ratings, plus check out more than 90 authentic, ancestor and tribute recipes.
Photo gallery
Hulaween 2014
A ghastly good time at The Mai-Kai’s annual Halloween party
Slip and the Spinouts rocked the house all night as Tiki-inspired costumes filled The Molokai bar on Halloween night during the annual bash that celebrates all things creepy and kooky.
• Photos, recap of Hulaween 2013
Special event takes guests on a flight to the Caribbean
The Mai-Kai and the Fraternal Order of Moai served up three special cocktails from Beachbum Berry’s Potions of the Caribbean: 500 Years of Tropical Drinks and the People Behind Them.
• Check out the review and photos.
Tiki artists salute The Mai-Kai with one-of-a-kind mugs
Two of the most acclaimed artists in the Tiki scene have created hand-crafted mugs that pay tribute to The Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale and its iconic imagery.
Special event recap
Miami Rum Renaissance Festival
Upstart spirits share spotlight with major players
It was a rum enthusiast's dream: Seven days tasting hundreds of rums and cocktails in sunny Miami, learning about the colorful history and culture that envelop every aspect of the industry.
Cocktails reach new heights of creativity
Fueled by the first Miami Cocktail Week, mixologists upped their game at the 2014 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival in April, presenting new and classic drinks with a modern flair.
Restaurants, nightlife
Dada in Delray Beach embraces rum with new cocktail menu
This eclectic eatery offers a unique experience in South Florida, elevated just a notch higher by the new rums and cocktails.
Review: A Taste Of ... Dada
Innovative watering holes fuel rise of craft cocktails
The craft cocktail scene in Palm Beach County has come a long way in a very short time. From Sweetwater Bar & Grill to Kapow! Noodle Bar to Hullabaloo, there are many choices for wildly creative adult beverages that didn't exist just five years ago.
Hullabaloo jazzes up Clematis Street with inventive cocktails
A preview party for the new gastropub and craft cocktail bar in downtown West Palm Beach was the scene of controlled chaos as bartenders, chefs, and staff kept the high-quality food and drinks flowing nonstop.
• Take 5 interview: Rodney Mayo
REVIEW: Sweetwater Bar & Grill
A shining beacon of light in a food and drink wasteland
This dark and mysterious speakeasy has with little fanfare become the area's preeminent hidden gem for inventive adult beverages, plus gastropub-style food that's just as decadent and delicious.
• Sweetwater introduces new cocktails, huge spirits menu
Mixology
Professor Cocktail's Zombie Horde
Zombies regaining critical mass: Book features 86 deadly recipes
Zombie Horde takes the recipes from some of the world's best bartenders and mixologists from the Zombie's sordid 80-year history and packages them into an easy-read, easy-to-use resource. Our review features recipes, history, analysis, a "Zombie face-off" and more.
• Devotees keep Zombie alive
Need a punch recipe for 200? The Rum Rat Pack has it covered
The experts at The Hukilau's 'Rumposium' showed us how to fill a bowl with 630 ounces of deliciousness (including 240 ounces of rum) with style and flair.
Miami mixologist shows how to jazz up your tired old cocktails
Freddy Diaz of AlambiQ Mixology demonstrated a few tricks (and recipes) with exotic liqueurs Cherry Heering and Xante pear liqueur at a cocktail seminar at the 2012 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.
Walt Disney World
30 great ways to celebrate
30 years of Epcot magic
Here are The Atomic Grog's favorite things to do at this eclectic combination of futuristic playground and food and beverage smorgasbord.
Modern Retro Disney World
Enchanted Tiki Room still charms, inspires
Keeping Walt Disney's vision alive since 1971, this landmark theme park attraction received a welcome refurbishment in 2011 that heralded the return of the vintage show that pays tribute to the original Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland.
• Enchanted Tiki Room 50th anniversary
A journey back in time uncovers author's 'Disney side'
My first visit to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando was in 1972, but it wasn't until decades later that events conspired to make me a fan for life.
Retro Disney World
• Artists shine at 40th birthday party
• Disney World is still cool at 40
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Special event
The Hukilau announces six historic symposiums, ticket sales for June event in Fort Lauderdale
Tickets are now on sale for The Hukilau, the June 10-14 gathering of Polynesian Pop enthusiasts in Fort Lauderdale that boasts an impressive lineup of six symposiums by noted authors, artists and filmmakers. The 14th annual event will also include more live music, artists and vendors than ever, plus a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience. Special guests include Jeff "Beachbum" Berry, Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily, the Alika Lyman Group, and many more.
• Previous coverage: The Hukilau is movin' on up .... to the landmark Pier 66
Event recap
The Hukilau 2014, Fort Lauderdale
After ‘magical’ 2014, Tiki event has big plans for 2015, beyond
Everything you ever wanted to know about The Hukilau 2014 with more than 60 photos, plus an exclusive interview with organizer Tiki Kiliki about the past, present and future of the world's most authentic Tiki event.
A deep dive into the history of porthole cocktail lounges and their mysterious mermaids
If you've ever wondered about the origins of the porthole lounge, or where you can still find one inhabited by live mermaids, then "Cocktails & Fishtails" was a must-see among The Hukilau's symposiums.
• Full coverage of The Hukilau 2014
Missing The Hukilau and The Mai-Kai? Limited edition Tiki mugs are the next best thing
For many, the one piece of merchandise most closely associated with Tiki culture is, of course, the Tiki mug. Every year, The Hukilau has produced one of the most distinctive (and valuable) mugs on the market, designed by noted artists and produced in limited editions by the top mug manufacturers.
Tiki culture
Plastic Paradise: A Swingin' Trip Through America's Polynesian Obsession
PBS stations say aloha to long-awaited documentary
Filmed at The Mai-Kai and The Hukilau and produced by Miami's award-winning commercial and documentary filmmakers Common Machine, Plastic Paradise has been released to PBS affiliates nationwide.
• Massive Shag volcano bowl released
• Mini Mystery Bowl: Scaled-down version of a classic
• 6 ways to celebrate Tiki all year long
Music
South Florida scene: Gold Dust Lounge
Band sets sail on adventurous journey with Lost Sunset
A week after performing a sold-out show at The Mai-Kai during The Hukilau, the eclectic Miami band celebrated the release of the Kickstarter-funded Lost Sunset album.
Concert photos
Laramie Dean and Jimmy Dale
The 2013 summer tour featuring surf guitarist Laramie Dean and drummer Jimmy Dale made three stops in South Florida in July, including shows at Churchill's in Miami and The Mai-Kai's Molokai bar (above). See photos from both concerts.
• Interview with Laramie Dean
Dick Dale exclusive interview & photos
Cancer survivor and rock legend: 'I had both feet in the grave'
Rock 'n' roll icon Dick Dale is in the midst of a career resurgence at age 76, despite battling cancer and other serious health issues that would have derailed musicians half his age. Check out our exclusive interview and photos from his 2013 concert in Miami.
• See the interview | Photos
Album review
Los Straitjackets soar again with the release of 'Jet Set'
Those masked marvels of instrumental rock have launched a high-flying comeback after being dealt a paralyzing blow that would have pinned lesser bands. Jet Set is perhaps the band's best release ever.
Eclectic podcasts broadcast the soundtrack to the Tiki revival
Sorting through 50 years of exotic and underground music can be daunting. Luckily, we have very capable podcasters to do the work for us.
Take 5
5 questions with ...
Ian Burrell, the global ambassador of rum
There's nobody better suited to represent rum than the globe-trotting Ian "Rum Ambassador" Burrell, a UK native of Jamaican descent who seems to have the fun and lively spirit running through his veins.
• See all the Miami Rum Festival coverage
Martin Cate, rum cocktail maestro
The owner of Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco talks about his favorite drinks, a possible future project and why every city should have a great Tiki bar. Plus, bonus recipes for two of his most acclaimed cocktails.
Jeff 'Beachbum' Berry, Tiki cocktail historian extraordinaire
We caught up with the author in his natural habitat (The Mai-Kai gardens) and got his take on time travel, his upcoming book, and his most loved (and loathed) drinks.
Artist Mike "Pooch" Pucciarelli
We quiz a renaissance man in the world of lowbrow culture, the tattoo and fine artist known as Pooch.
Culture & travel
Stretching the limits
of the imagination
The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is a surreal experience in its own right.
• Mermaids alive, well at Weeki Wachee
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Special feature
The Week in Tiki - Jan. 26, 2015
'Rum Reef' coming to Miami, new Derek Yaniger mug on sale
Welcome to a new feature spotlighting the latest news and information on the Polynesian Pop revival and wide world of retro-themed entertainment. Every Monday, look for a new blog post that previews what's coming up and looks back at the previous week.
• Weekly features: Artist | Band/music
Rum | Cocktail | Website | Events
Event recap
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
Disney continues to deliver delicious bites, a bounty of booze
As the Epcot Food and Wine Fest approaches its 20th anniversary, it shows no signs of getting stale or losing momentum. Check out reviews of dozens of dishes and drinks at the 2014 event.
Culture
Book review
Book makes waves, gives state's rich surfing history its due
When you examine the sport of surfing and its surrounding culture, Florida is sometimes overlooked while hot spots such as California and Hawaii grab the spotlight. A new book released in May could go a long way toward changing that perception.
Past coverage
• Florida at forefront of surf rock's contemporary renaissance
News
Walt Disney World
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto design, merchandise revealed
Imagineers showed off a logo T-shirt and several mug prototypes, along with some insight on the design and theming of the much-anticipated Tiki bar coming soon to the Polynesian Village Resort, during the first Mahaloween Luau at Trader Sam's in Disneyland.
More coverage
• Mahaloween Luau recap, photos
• Polynesian Village Resort updates
Bonus cocktail recipe
• Trader Sam's Uh Oa! tribute recipe
Past coverage
• Trader Sam's Grog Grotto announced
• Full Polynesian refurbishment coverage
History, culture
Tiki Pop book release
10 reasons why you need Sven Kirsten’s new book, Tiki Pop
The third hardcover opus from acclaimed Tiki urban archaeologist Sven Kirsten puts many pop culture historians to shame, exploring in rich and colorful detail the uniquely American phenomenon that permeated fashion, music, eating, drinking, and architecture for decades.
Take 5
Otto von Stroheim
5 questions for the pioneering promoter and Tiki tastemaker
One cannot imagine what the modern Tiki revival would be like without Otto von Stroheim. A much less festive place, that's for sure. Check out our interview with the founder of Tiki Oasis.
Spirits, cocktails
Navy Rum and Black Tot Day
When men were men, and sailors drank Daiquiris
No other spirit has as deep and rich a legacy as rum, best exemplified by the fascinating story of the 300-year history of the daily ration given to members of the British Royal Navy. More than drunken revelry, they should be acknowledged for pioneering the fine craft of blending rums.
New recipe: Atomic Painkiller
National Tequila Day
Spice up your tequila cocktails with fiery gourmet syrups
A great margarita never goes out of style and has been embraced and elevated by the craft cocktail movement, with great results. One tasty sub-genre is the spicy cocktail, typically infused with hot peppers and myriad spices.
Reviews and recipes:
Habanero Lime Margarita | Ghost Host
Tales of the Cocktail
Signature drink packs a wallop, but can it tame a Hurricane inspired by The Mai-Kai?
The official cocktail of 12th annual festival that draws tens of thousands of people to New Orleans is not some highbrow cult classic or trendy new concoction. It's the mighty yet maligned Hurricane.
Reviews and recipes: Hurricane Caesar vs. The Mai-Kai Hurricane
Navy Grog ice cone: Lost art is revived by cocktail enthusiasts
Author and cocktail historian Jeff "Beachbum" Berry solidified his standing as the "Indiana Jones" of Tiki mixology with his first branded product, unearthing a long-lost gadget from the catacombs of mid-century bar culture: Beachbum Berry's Navy Grog Ice Cone Kit.
Related stories
• Jeff Berry proves he’s never too busy to be a 'Beachbum'
• Potions of the Caribbean: Cruise back to the birthplace of Tiki drinks
Review: Ice sphere molds
Home mixologists can get crafty with ice molds, modern cocktails
We put two new products to the test, proving that you don't need to be an ice sculptor to join the craft cocktail bandwagon. Plus: A bonus recipe for a new orginal concoction.
99 bottles of rum on the wall
Rating the top cane spirits
The Atomic Grog recently reached a landmark by acquiring a 99th bottle of rum. The occasion provided even more reason to literally take stock of this booty.
• Check out our Top 50 ratings
Summer of rum: South Florida hotspots give cool spirit a chance to shine
Archives
Past stories of note
• Wayne Coombs of Mai Tiki dies at 62
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